The Negros Occidental provincial government is projected to save no less than ₱1 billion over the next 25 years by transitioning to solar power, an official of a renewable energy firm said.
Daniel del Rosario Jr., sales and service partner at WeGen Energy Philippines Inc., lauded the province’s shift toward renewable energy during the opening of the Negros Occidental Renewable Energy (RE) Expo 2026 Week at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod on Thursday morning, May 7.
Del Rosario noted that the provincial government has embarked on a significant transition to supply 30 to 40 percent of the power requirements for its buildings through RE.
His firm has been responsible for installing the solar power systems involved in this initiative, which began with the Provincial Capitol and will cover five other government buildings, totaling 1.2 MW of installed capacity, del Rosario said.. The financial benefits are already being felt. Over the past eight months, the Provincial Capitol alone has realized savings of ₱740,000, he said.
Cumulatively, these initial six projects are estimated to save ₱435 million over the next 25 years—all achieved without any financial investment from the provincial government, del Rosario added.
“With the plan to cover all remaining buildings, the province stands to realize savings of no less than ₱1 billion over the next 25 years, which can fund a wealth of social services,” del Rosario said. Beyond the financial gains, the environmental impact is equally significant, he said.
These six projects are expected to displace 25,521 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 25 years, an impact equivalent to planting 420,000 trees, del Rosario said.
“We at WeGen Energy Phils Inc. are greatly honored to be partnering with you,” del Rosario said, noting that Negros Occidental appears to be leading the RE transition among Philippine provinces in terms of installed capacities.
During the event, del Rosario presented Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson with a plaque of recognition for his “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.”
The plaque cited the integration of solar PV technology as a powerful example of environmental stewardship for the entire country.
In his speech, Lacson emphasized that the path forward for the province involves strengthening energy systems to ensure reliable and affordable power for all Negrenses, particularly those in rural communities.
The RE Week serves as a vital platform for government, industry, and civil society to exchange solutions and encourage investments, he said.
“Let us continue working together to turn our plans into concrete results,” Lacson challenged the participants.*
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